Friday, January 20

IKEA LATT MAKEOVER

A few months ago, I was searching for a small table set for E to use. I was weighing my options of either buying a complete set or buying the pieces separately. I didn't mind having to paint the items myself if it meant the pieces would be cheaper. IKEA has always been my go-to place for modern yet affordable items. Here were the cheapest options:

The LATT set was the winner. (Did I mention that the table top was completely wipeable too? Love that.) So later that week, I headed over to IKEA and made my usual stop at the clearance section first...and what did I see??! Yep, that same set for just $15! Since it was originally used as the floor display, it wasn't in the best condition. The wood was chipped in many areas and the table top had a few scratches. However, it was still sturdy and had no major defects. I was an extremely happy mommy pushing it to the checkout lane :D. Here's what it looked like when I brought it home:

Sadly, it took me a whole month before I finally got to working on it. Finding time to work on projects is super hard when you have a very needy toddler o.O After a month of looking at it in its horrible state I was determined to start; I took the opportunity during one of his naps! Here's how it went...

For my project, the materials I used were (most were found at Lowe's):

3M sanding sponge (medium)

Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 primer/sealer (I used this because I already
had it, however, next time I would choose regular primer paint instead
of spray paint to avoid the splotches.)

Olympic 8 oz. sample interior ultra white

Miniwax 64444 semi gloss polycrylic protective finishes, 1/2 pint

2 paintbrushes + 2 plastic trays

drop cloth

dust protection mask

about a yard of fabric (preferably outdoor fabric for easy cleaning)

10 round craft mirrors (can be found at Michaels or Hobby Lobby)

Elmer's spray adhesive

small flat blade

painter's tape

2-3 sheets of newspaper

First, I started out by sanding down the table and chairs over the drop cloth. (Make sure you wear a protection mask unless you want to be breathing in all that dust!) This will ensure that your paint goes on smoothly when applied. I used a piece of dry cloth to thoroughly remove any leftover sand dust.

Next, I taped down newspapers over the table top and seat tops with painter's tape since I wasn't going to be painting on them.

After the pieces were ready to go, I carefully primed each piece and let it dry for an hour. Ok to be honest, I was a little impatient and waited only half an hour. The pieces were already dried! Really! ;)

I then started applying the "ultra" white paint. I painted 3 coats for the desired look and then waited an hour for it to dry. Professionals probably would've waited half an hour to an hour between each coat, but I did not have that luxury. I had a napping baby who could wake up at any minute! So, please forgive me as I'm sure you all have much more experience in painting then I do!

Finally, I applied 2 coats of the polycrylic to seal and protect the paint. I finished this part just in time before E woke up. Thank goodness!

Later that night, after E went to sleep, I picked up from where I left off. I brought in the pieces and took apart the chairs with the screwdriver provided by IKEA. It probably was better if I had painted the parts separately, because the paint started tearing a little as I pulled apart the parts. But oh well... this was the best I could do with the time I had.

So I slid off the seat cover and sprayed it with the spray adhesive. I then laid it facing down on the fabric I had picked for the seat tops and cut around it. I found this cute fabric at Joann's awhile back when I was trying to make shoes for E. I loved it so much, but wasn't able to find any other uses for it later on since it was kind of "kiddie-ish."

Unfortunately, this last part of sliding the fabric covered seat back on was the most frustrating part of the whole process. It took a lot of huffing and puffing and the help of my small blade for it to finally slide through the little slits o.O. Here was the result:

Then I remembered I had some left over craft mirrors from a previous project and decided to use it for a little extra character :)

What do y'all think?? I personally love it :D It's one of my favorite DIY results yet! The whole process took me about a total of 6 looOonng hours, but when E woke up the next morning and saw it, his "WooOoaahh" made it all worth it :)

30 comments:

Thanks so much for the sweet comment, Jen! That means a lot coming from you :) I was so happy when I found your blog... I "star" almost every post I read! Your love for organizing and DIY is contagious!

What a thorough tutorial. The outcome is so fresh and great. I love that my hack and your hack are so different--but I think they both achieve the same desired outcome: some character and individuality. You go girl!

I saw your project highlighted on Centsational Girl, and I had to come check it out. We are actually missionaries living overseas in Hungary, and finding affordable things can often be a challenge. :) I do like IKEA and get many things there, but my favorite table and chairs set is no longer there. :( I'm not a fan of the other ones that are now available (their style, etc.). The fabric covered chairs are genius, and painting it makes it look like a cute little piece instead of the former. Anyway, thank you for the inspiration as I have been trying to figure out what I should do for a children's table!

(And sidenote, when I saw the title of your blog, I wondered if you were a believer! I enjoyed looking around your blog and seeing your light for the Lord. God bless!)

Wow, thanks so much, Kristen! I am so happy that you were able to get some ideas for your kids :)

I'm very encouraged that your family is out in Hungary spreading the gospel. What a blessing it is to speak for the Lord! May He be your family's all-sufficient grace and bountiful supply in your time there!

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